Buy a house before you see it? Smart tips on how to get your offer accepted in a multiple offer situation.

The Marin real estate market is red hot. Suddenly all cities
and neighborhoods are in high demand. Even homes with lots adjacent to 101, or
with sweeping views over gas stations or post office roofs, are selling for
over asking prices.

Today was a big debate in the news about buyers bidding on
and purchasing homes without even seeing them.
A bit absurd for most buyers, but a reality for others.

I would say that those buyers fall into two distinct
categories: a.) extremely wealthy individuals who own several homes and could
afford to lose $1M or $2M should the purchase turn out not to be a good affair.
b.) investors that need to move fast and don't have time to look at homes
before offers are due.

During my ten years as a Marin County realtor, I've represented
category "b" two times. And each time
I've tried to down play it as much as possible. Anyone can understand that it
is a huge disadvantage in a multiple offer situation if the prospecting buyer
hasn't seen the house. Even if he/she is bidding way over other hopeful buyers,
it could still kill the deal. Cash is
king, but there tend to be a limit for how much risk a seller is willing to
take.

Besides the offered purchase price, your interest in and
knowledge about the house and its
surroundings are of huge importance to get an offer accepted. After all, real
estate transactions are done between human beings. Emotions and gut feelings do
play in - less so when investors are involved
- but for most deals. Just put
yourself in the seller's shoes; wouldn't it be great to know that the
prospective buyer really LOVES the house, has visited twice, knows all about
the school district, commute, weather and also has read the disclosure packet
and approved it BEFORE he/she makes an offer. Of course all these things will
weigh in when the seller goes over the offers to determine WHO will be safe to
enter escrow with? Half of the homework is done up front and the rest can
easily be accomplished.

Ultimately what buyers really need - is an experienced local
agent. The hardest part is not to find and identify the right home, the hardest
part is to get your offer accepted. It is like a job hunt. How do you ensure that
you will be one of the top three candidates interviewed out of the 118
applicants? As with everything in life, it takes a plan, a goal, and a well
defined strategy to make it happen. Call or email me if you are lacking those
ingredients in your home search. I'll be happy to assist you.

Helen Luttemo is an experienced Marin County
realtor, known for great service and in-depth knowledge of all the cities and
neighborhoods of Marin. For assistance with your real estate needs, please call
or email: (415)
244-4414 Helen@MarinModern.com